Big Bend National Park border project may be scaled back

The Trump administration is considering reducing the scope of a planned border security project within Texas' Big Bend National Park. According to court filings, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is “actively considering adjustments” to the work to minimize potential impacts following input from the National Park Service and other stakeholders.

The project has faced bipartisan opposition due to concerns that it will damage the remote area. While the administration previously moved away from plans to build a 30-foot-tall bollard wall through the park, resistance continues regarding other proposed measures, including new roads, lighting, vehicle barriers, and technology.

A pause on construction-related activity in the park, which began in August, is set to end Wednesday. The government indicated it will make a final decision during the first week of October, with any potential ground-disturbing work following several weeks after that announcement.